Tennessee Republican leaders renew critical race theory crusade, target universities

Originally Published on Nashville Tennessean

Tennessee's Republican leadership is renewing its battle over critical race theory, and this time targeting public universities.

A bill sponsored by leadership in the House and Senate would give college students and staff the ability to sue their universities for discriminating against them for not accepting "divisive concepts."

The bill, which mirrors critical race theory legislation around the country, passed the House Education Subcommittee last week.

The bill would prevent universities from penalizing students who refuse to support concepts linked to what Republicans say is critical race theory teachings.

Critical race theory teaches that racism is ingrained in U.S. institutions and that white people benefit from it. The concept and whether schools, churches and other corporations should subscribe to it has been a source of controversy within institutions for several years.

House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, and most of the House Republicans in leadership are leading the charge on the bill. Sexton said the goal of the bill is to "protect students."

In the Senate, Sen. Mike Bell, R-Riceville, is sponsoring the legislation on behalf of Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge. McNally said the goal is to ensure "students are taught the subjects they sign up."

The legislation, HB 2670, would require colleges to conduct a survey every other year to "assess the campus climate with regard to diversity of thought and the respondents' comfort level in speaking freely on campus, regardless of political affiliation or ideology…